As New Jersey begins a new legislative session and a new administration under Gov. Phil Murphy, Real Estate NJ asked the industry’s top advocacy groups and associations for their top policy priorities.

Affordable housing is an issue that remains in a state of flux in New Jersey. After approximately 16 years of inaction by the Council on Affordable Housing and an unsuccessful attempt at a legislative resolution, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that the delays had gone on too long and ordered towns to go directly to the trial court judges to settle affordable housing disputes.

The Murphy administration has come out of the gate with some big and bold ideas. But, if this administration wants to do something significant, if not historic, for a New Jersey’s most underserved (and unfortunately often forgotten about) residents, then focusing on affordable housing for low-income families is that issue.

Joshua Burd, an award-winning reporter and editor, has been covering New Jersey commercial real estate for five years. Many industry leaders view him as the go-to real estate reporter in the state, a role he is eager to continue as the editor of Real Estate NJ. He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who has spent a decade covering the great Garden State.